What can cause genital warts | what answered

What can cause genital warts

What can cause genital warts, Genital warts, also called venereal warts, are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The warts emerge along the genital and anal region of the body and in the vaginal area in females. Genital warts are highly contagious and can be transmitted from person to person. The warts appear in the form of a lumpy growth. In most cases, the warts are benign and harmless. However, it is also possible that the genital warts are malignant. Since genital warts are sexually transmitted, the main cause is sexual contact with an infected person.

Here are some of the leading causes and risk factors of genital warts.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

The human Papilloma virus is said to be the main cause of all types of warts. There are over 100 types of HPV that cause warts to develop on the body. Yet, only a handful of them have the potency to cause genital warts. In particular, the HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for a majority of the cases of genital warts. The virus infects the skin, the exterior layer, which makes the warts develop on top of the skin.

Sexual Intercourse

The foremost means of transmission of genital warts from person to person is sexual intercourse. Genital warts are highly contagious and having sex with a person who has the infection almost guarantees that you will develop them too. According to statistics, there is more than 60% chance that having sex with a person infected with genital warts will lead to you contracting the infection too. On average, it takes around two to three months for the warts to appear.

Age

Like most viruses that cause infections, HPV is likely to attack people with weak immune systems. The age group most at risk of contracting genital warts is between the ages of 14 to 20. This is because males and females around this age reach puberty. If they have sexual contact with an infected person, it is almost guaranteed that they are going to contract the infection. Same goes for the elderly. People above 50 years of age are also at an increased risk.

Weak Immune System

As mentioned above, a weak immune system cannot protect the body against the virus. There are many reasons why a person’s immune system can be compromised such as organ transplants or blood transfusion. A person suffering from cancer or any other bacterial or viral infection is at an increased risk of developing genital warts. The risk is also high for people suffering from HIV and AIDS, though they are asked to refrain from sexual contact altogether.

Sharing Objects

Using the same objects or items as used by an infected person also increases your risk of developing genital warts. The risk is greater with things such as towels or pillows. Also, sharing sex toys can transmit the infection to you. It is not known whether touching the warts transfers the infection from one person to another.

These are some of the leading causes and risk factors of genital warts.

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